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CHNA 18 is a local coalition of public, non-profit, and private sectors working together to build healthier communities in Massachusetts through community-based prevention planning and health promotion.

To receive updated information about CHNA 18, please complete a​ membership form. You will be added to our mailing list to receive announcements, newsletters and resources to stay informed about all CHNA 18 activities.

Caitlin received a Master in Public Health from Northeastern University in May 2015. Caitlin is a long time advocate for health care access and health equity for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Aside from collaborating and organizing to promote decreased health disparities, equity and social justice for local communities, Caitlin is also interested in the use of technology to make health measurements and healthcare more accessible. In 2016, a study she developed and implemented was published in Proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing. Currently, Caitlin is the Assistant Director/ADA Coordinator at the Town of Brookline's Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations. We are excited to have her join!

Workshop Update: We had a blast at our recent workshop "From Ideas to Action: Innovative Approaches to Local Health Issues." Workshop facilitator Kristen Peterson took attendees through a variety of exercises to spark creative thinking and to generate ideas. Here's a few pics from the program:

​UPDATE: GRANT NOW CLOSED

​Deadline for Letters of Intent is April 1st, applications April 16th.

The West Suburban Community Health Network Area (CHNA) 18 will be releasing funds totaling $40,000 to support programs and projects using innovative and creative approaches to local health issues.

These grants may be used for ANY project or program, or component thereof, that seeks to improve the health and well-being of residents in our nine cities and towns. Projects may be new or support other programs already in place. If a project is supporting an existing program, it should clearly add a new component.

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CHNA 18 is thinking new and differently about the granting process. Projects do not need to be sustainable over time to be funded. Rather, successful applicants will submit projects offering a unique perspective and approach and be willing to share these innovations with other organizations; for example, a project that re-imagines the use of existing resources or connects community partners in new ways.

​While funded grants do not need to meet as rigorous “proven effectiveness” guidelines as previous CHNA 18 grant processes, they should be 1) appropriate, 2) relevant, 3) need-based, and 4) have an understanding of successful public health practices

Applicants are encouraged to attend the March 19th workshop “From Ideas to Action: Innovative Approaches to Local Health Issues.” (see below for registration info). There will be an opportunity to “workshop” grant ideas during the event. A short grant information session will follow the workshop.BONUS POINTS WILL BE AWARDED TO APPLICANTS THAT ATTEND THE WORKSHOP.

​Visit our Grants and Funding page for more information about the grant and how to apply.

This interactive and fun workshop helps participants learn and embrace new and improved creative thinking and problem solving skills to become an innovation catalyst. You'll explore the barriers we all face in thinking creatively, and how to overcome them. You'll learn the power of asking the right questions to tackle challenges from fresh perspectives and drive creative solutions as opposed to criticizing why a new idea won't work. You'll learn and apply a selection of creative problem solving tools, techniques to go from ideas to action. Click for the AgendaRegistration open NOW! Space is limited, so register today!

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PAST EVENTS

The CHNA 18 Building Connections Series was a success! Participants in three different workshops learned how to help people who are feeling suicidal, how to address the stigma of mental health, and, perhaps the greatest mystery of all....what the heck is happening with teenagers???? Below are some photos from our series.

Jon Mattleman, recently retired Director of Youth Services at the Needham Health Department, lets us all know what is going on in the minds of teens. The entire audience was riveted!

Congratulations to our mini grant lottery winner at the "Reducing the Stigma" workshop!

Pat Cooper, Elder Services Project Coordinator and Advocate at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, was the winner! REACH plans to use the $250 prize to purchase therapy supplies for its child and adolescent therapy program.

CHNA 18 announces new Director and Community Health Initiative

Jhana Wallace, previously the Coordinator for the CHNA, will be taking on the role of Director. As the Executive Director, Ms. Wallace will serve as the community liaison for the CHNA and lead the CHNA through a new phase of targeted community support and involvement. Ms. Wallace has a Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University and over twenty years of experience in public health, including direct service, program development, and administration. We are excited to welcome her into this new role!

​CHNA 18 plans to implement a professional development program in September 2016 to support agencies and organization working to improve the health of community members in our nine cities and towns and beyond. We hope to launch this new program in late Spring with an open-house event for all community members.

Stay tuned for more information!

Mobile from the CHNA 18 "Using Art to Promote Health" Workshop on January 15th. This mobile focuses on mental health and well-being, but the project and process to make it can be used for any health issue. The mobile can be moved and displayed anywhere.